Companies knew Arch would sever their contracts if the side payments stopped. Likewise, Runyon knew losing the contracts would hurt the companies, according to court documents.

Runyon is among 10 men who have pleaded guilty to various charges related to the scheme. Four are former Arch employees. The rest were contractors and vendors.

“This kind of pay-to-play scheme hurts honest vendors in the coal industry–business people who refuse to pay bribes as a way to get customers,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said via email Thursday.

The contracts that hinged on kickbacks ranged from mine machine repair to contracted labor. Alvis R. Porter, for instance, contracted to provide Mountain Laurel construction services such as heavy machinery rentals and operation.

Over four years, the Holden resident paid more than $400,000 to maintain lucrative contracts with Arch, court documents state.

Porter, a former Logan County Circuit Court clerk, faces up to five years and $250,000 in fines in the scheme.

“Mr. Porter said ‘Let’s both get our barrels full’ and offered to start paying kickbacks due to his fear that unless kickbacks were paid he would lose the business and suffer economic harm,” according to a court stipulation of facts.

Arch said it had reached out to the U.S. attorney for help investigating the possible misconduct. Goodwin said an investigation is still ongoing.

Johnston said Runyon was released on a $10,000 bond. His sentencing will take place Nov. 19.

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